Insecurity, Creativity, and Expectation.

Whether you realize it or not, you are a creative person. There seems to be an automatic reaction when people hear the word creative, they assume it is directly attached to the arts. While you can be an artistically creative individual, I think creativity takes on many forms. I've been checking in on different people around the world to see if they have been feeling okay and it seems we're all in the same state of trying to overcome our fears. Recently, I've been feeling insecure. I've pretty much restarted my entire presence online. A newer Twitter. A newer Instagram. Trying to maintain my blog more often. It's my way of attempting to develop a better connection with people, not only as a writer but as a person. I love interacting with people when it's done in a positive and safe space. Yet, I feel insecure and like many of you, I'm trying to work my way through it. Enough about me, here is a small list of reminders for all those who are struggling with insecurity, their creative outlets, and the expectations they have placed on them by others and themselves.

1. Your work may be a reflection of you but it is not the definition of who you are. If you find yourself confronting a temporary moment of failure, it does not mean you are a failure. You are not a failure. You are a human being who is trying their best with what you've been given in life and all you can do is put forward your best effort.
   

2. Everyone is insecure, some are just better than others at covering it up. No one can truly exist on this plane of life without feeling some form of insecurity. The people you admire most in the world have flaws too so please do not beat yourself up for your own moments of insecurity. It's natural and it will eventually pass.
   

3. Take necessary breaks. I wrote a brief section about resting versus delaying your work and responsibilities. It's never okay to delay yourself to a point that the opportunity is gone, but it is okay to take breaks. You are not a machine and it is not your job to put yourself into overdrive. It is okay to take breaks and do something that brings you a sense of peace and happiness.
   

4. Health is important. I think if there is anything we've learned in the last year and a half is that our health is not something we are entitled to. Stress really can do harm to a person and I have been guilty of late-night work or not staying properly hydrated or well-fed. Don't put yourself in a position where you are not drinking or eating enough. Try to get sleep when you can even if it's difficult.
   

5. You can't control the pressure that people put on you, but you can take small actions toward how you apply pressure to yourself. There's nothing wrong with challenging yourself to do better but there is a limitation. Being kind to ourselves is difficult, mainly because no one really teaches us how to properly care for our inner being, but it's possible to be gentle with ourselves. Find the best strategies and methods for you to better cope with the pressure and expectations you have on yourself. Stay safe. Stay healthy. Be as kind as you can. Take the proper time to feel your emotions and take a rest. We're all trying our best even if some of us appear to have it figured out, don't let it discourage you. You are just as valid as anyone else. You will find your own version of success. Everything will be okay within time.

- Love, Dasia Z.